Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla visited Barbados Parliament

Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla visited Barbados Parliament during the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in 2025, highlighting India’s commitment to strengthening democratic ties.

Speaker of Lok Sabha Om Birla visited Barbados Parliament

India’s parliamentary diplomacy gained new momentum at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 2025. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla headed the Indian Parliamentary Delegation, holding productive discussions with representatives from Barbados, Australia, Jamaica, and Zambia.

The visit highlighted India’s dedication to strengthening democratic partnerships and expanding collaboration across various sectors, reinforcing its role as a key voice in the Commonwealth community.

India Barbados Parliamentary Relations Grow Stronger

Om Birla’s visit to the National Assembly of Barbados marked a significant moment in the strengthening of bilateral relations. The Indian Parliamentary Delegation received a warm welcome from Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados.

The discussions centered on enhancing democratic engagement and promoting cooperation on global platforms. During the visit, Speaker Om Birla observed the historic Speaker’s Chair, a remarkable gift from India in 1966, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Crafted from Indian teakwood and intricately hand-carved by skilled artisans, the chair bears an inscription of goodwill, reflecting India’s lasting bond with Barbados.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Both India and Barbados expressed their commitment to exploring new areas of collaboration, focusing on key sectors such as education, renewable energy, culture, and parliamentary exchanges. The discussions highlighted the shared democratic traditions and cultural values that unite the two nations.

During his visit, Speaker Om Birla also met with members of the Indian diaspora in Barbados, acknowledging their vital role in strengthening cultural ties through celebrations of festivals like Diwali and Holi. He encouraged the community to continue preserving Indian languages and traditions, reinforcing their connection to their roots while contributing to Barbados’s diverse cultural fabric.

Showcasing India’s Leadership and Innovation on the World Stage

During the conference, Speaker Om Birla highlighted India’s remarkable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He spoke about the nation’s achievements in space exploration, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation, showcasing India’s growing role as a global hub of technology and development.

Birla also described cricket as a cultural bridge that connects India and Barbados, fostering strong people-to-people ties and mutual appreciation through a shared love for the sport.

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Strengthening Ties Through Bilateral Meetings

Speaker Om Birla conducted bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders from Australia, Jamaica, and Zambia. During his discussion with Sue Lines, President of the Australian Senate, the focus was on strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering areas such as defence, trade, renewable energy, and technology.

The talks also included extending invitations to participate in the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), scheduled to be held in New Delhi in January 2026, further promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Commonwealth nations.

Enhancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology

Discussions with Arthur Holder, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, G-77, and CARICOM. The two countries explored parliamentary exchanges and the use of AI-driven tools to promote citizen-centric governance.

In meetings with Juliet Holness of Jamaica, the focus was on legislative transparency and capacity-building through technology. Similarly, discussions with Nelly Mutti of Zambia centred on modernising legislative processes with innovative technologies and AI, aiming to enhance governance efficiency and effectiveness across the Commonwealth.

Cultural Diplomacy and Shared Heritage

The visit also emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening India-Barbados relations. Both nations expressed interest in organizing cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and educational exchange programs to promote mutual understanding, celebrate shared democratic values, and deepen historical and cultural connections between their peoples.

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